US20040124260A1 - Apparatus for treatment of snow and ice - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle is disclosed which includes a chassis and a storage and dispensing apparatus. The storage and dispensing apparatus can be mounted directly to the chassis or disposed within or on a body, which in turn is mounted to the chassis. The storage and dispensing apparatus has an opening therein to permit material to be transported therethrough. A conveyor assembly for selectively conveying materials from the opening of the storage and dispensing apparatus is also included. The conveyor assembly can include a dual auger arrangement. The vehicle includes a spreader chute that is operably arranged with the conveyor assembly to direct the materials to a spreader. A liquid storage system for storing liquid is provided. A liquid dispensing system is provided for selectively dispensing liquid from the liquid storage system. The liquid dispensing system includes an anti-icing system for selectively dispensing liquid from the vehicle and a pre-wetting system for selectively dispensing liquid onto material being transported by the endless conveyor out of the vehicle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
• This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/409,169, filed Sep. 9, 2002, entitled “APPARATUS FOR TREATMENT OF SNOW AND ICE,” which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.[0001]
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates generally to a vehicle for treatment of snow and/or ice on a surface such as a roadway.[0002]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• The treatment of snow and ice covered roadways has included devices for the pre-treatment and treatment of road surfaces in connection with the accumulation of snow or ice thereon. Response time is especially important as winter storm conditions can change quickly. The process of pre-treating roadways, also referred to as “anti-icing,” with liquid solutions before the arrival of freezing rain or snow has served to improve road surface conditions during the early stages of a storm. Once the temperature drops or heavy snowfall occurs, however, the more conventional process of spreading granular materials, such as, salt and/or sand, for example, also referred to as “de-icing,” is typically relied upon to maintain road surfaces for driving.[0003]
• Conventional methods for treating snow and ice covered roadways employ the use of separate application equipment to dispense granular materials, such as salt/sand spreaders, or bulk liquid spray systems, such as skid mounted tank/sprayer systems or bulk storage tanker/trailer rigs fitted with spray booms. A conventional method for delivering both granular and liquid materials include the combination of a V-box spreader and a pre-wet system of liquid storage tanks mounted typically in a dump body or on the flatbed of a truck.[0004]
• While existing systems for treating snow and ice-covered roadways provide many desirable features and advantages, there remain certain problems with these combination bodies. For example, current methods require separate vehicles or add on trailers to transport and dispense sufficient quantities of both liquid anti-icing and granular de-icing materials. Space limitations of this combination of equipment tend to limit the volume of either one or both of the de-icing and anti-icing materials. A traditional V-box spreader with a pre-wet system has insufficient capacity to store, transport, and dispense an adequate volume of liquid for anti-icing operations without sacrificing the volume of granular materials for de-icing carried on the truck. Therefore, frequent return trips to the servicing facility are required to reload depleted materials or change out equipment.[0005]
• This method results in delayed or prolonged road treatment, added fuel and operator costs, and multiple pieces of equipment. For example, the conventional systems can also require an additional cost of manpower to convert the vehicles from non-ice control to granular and/or anti-icing modes. Furthermore, loss of property, or even life, can occur as a result of the delays associated with the changing of the vehicle from granular to anti-icing and back again or with operators moving from one type of truck to another.[0006]
• The methods of towing trailers behind dump trucks or utilizing top heavy pre-wetting tanks attached to a spreader system can pose safety hazards for operators and travelers on the roadways.[0007]
• Current methods require the use of separate or different equipment depending on air and surface temperatures, the form of precipitation (freezing rain or snow), timing of the application (before, during or after the storm), and the method of treatment selected or best suited to the road conditions (liquid anti-icing, pre-wet granular material, or granular material only). Therefore, the need to change the equipment treating the roadways depending on the weather and/or road conditions can lead to other delays. Often, the environmental conditions better treated by anti-icing application can change in a matter of minutes to environmental conditions better treated by granular application, and vice versa.[0008]
• An auger has been used to convey the materials being spread by ice control equipment, in a “tailgate spreader,” for example. However, an auger typically has a much narrower effective width, i.e., the width of the auger over which it operates to convey material, than what is readily possible with a conventional chain conveyor system. The narrower effective width of the auger results in a smaller amount of material to be distributed being exposed above the top of the conveyor itself. Materials used for ice control (including cinders, sand, salt, etc.) have a tendency to bridge over the auger and therefore interrupted/disrupted material flow can result. Also, an auger can tunnel the material adjacent to the auger, thereby defining a cylindrical cavity in the material being spread.[0009]
• On the other hand, chain conveyor systems are susceptible to maintenance problems during the off-season (cold weather being typically only a few months of the year in most instances). For example, the chain can be stationary and easily rust to the point of “freezing up,” making it un-useable the following season or requiring considerable maintenance time to free up the chain. Wear can be great on a chain as all the links are exposed to the ice control material being spread. Furthermore, because each link of the chain moves, the chain conveyor system has a considerable number of moving parts which in turn require a corresponding amount of maintenance.[0010]
• In addition, a chain conveyor system can provide spurts of flow associated with the flighting bars extending between the chains. Every bar brings a quantity of material followed by a period of time with less, or no, material flow. The uneven discharge flow can cause “striping” of ice control materials on the pavement and also can require the spreading of materials in amounts larger than needed to compensate for this interrupted flow characteristic.[0011]
• In view of the foregoing, there exist various needs in the art. One such need is for an apparatus which provides improved capacity and integration of anti-icing and deicing materials for winter road maintenance. Another need is for an apparatus which achieves a higher level of efficiency and accuracy of the application.[0012]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention addresses the foregoing and other needs by providing a vehicle including a chassis and a storage and dispensing apparatus having a hopper for storing granular material, a conveyor assembly for selectively discharging material stored in the hopper, a liquid storage system, and a liquid dispensing system for selectively dispensing liquid from the liquid storage system. The storage and dispensing apparatus can be mounted directly to the chassis or to a body of the vehicle, for instance.[0013]
• The body can comprise front and rear ends and first and second side walls. The body can be pivotally mounted to the chassis and arranged with a hoist for pivotal movement thereof.[0014]
• The storage and dispensing apparatus can be disposed within the body. The storage and dispensing apparatus can include front and rear ends, first and second side walls, and a common wall. The common wall defines a hopper for storing granular material and a liquid containment uni-body construction vessel for storing liquid. Advantageously, the common wall serves to improve the strength of the combined body while reducing weight and costs.[0015]
• In one aspect of the invention, the conveyor assembly comprises a pair of augers in substantially parallel, spaced relationship to each other. The rear end of the snow and ice treatment system has an opening which communicates with the material hopper to permit material to be transported therethrough by the dual auger arrangement.[0016]
• Advantageously, the dual auger system is a simple mechanical device which has fewer moving parts than a chain conveyor system. Cleaning and lubricating the dual auger system is readily accomplished. Each auger can have a single bearing at each end of the auger shaft. A direct drive motor can be provided for each auger to rotate the auger and to act as one of the bearing supports. A flange-mounted, sealed, self-aligning bearing can provide support at the other end. A sealed greasing system, either automatic or manual, for example, can be provided to extend conveyor system life and to control cost of maintenance. The sealed lubrication system contains the lubricant, thereby substantially preventing lubricant leakage from the conveyor onto the pavement which would create environmental concerns.[0017]
• The dual auger system can increase the effective width of the conveying system by at least doubling the effective width compared to a single auger. By increasing the effective width, the likelihood of bridging or tunneling problems occurring is reduced.[0018]
• The dual auger system can provide a substantially uniform flow throughout the discharge process, thereby allowing for fine metering of the discharge materials.[0019]
• In another aspect of the invention, the conveyor assembly can include an endless chain conveyor disposed between the side walls and extending beyond the rear end of the body.[0020]
• In one aspect of the present invention, the vehicle includes a liquid storage system having a liquid containment vessel for storing liquid. A liquid dispensing system is provided for selectively dispensing liquid from the liquid containment vessel. The liquid dispensing system includes an anti-icing system for selectively dispensing liquid from the vehicle and a pre-wetting system for selectively dispensing liquid onto material being transported by the endless conveyor out of the vehicle.[0021]
• Advantageously, for improved handling and safety, the liquid storage system can be configured such that the center of gravity of the vehicle is relatively low compared to other prior art devices.[0022]
• The sidewalls of the body can each include a plurality of vertical supports each having a plurality of openings therethrough. The vertical supports can extend through the liquid storage system. The openings allow for liquid to enter into the storage system and fill the volume therein. The vertical supports can act as baffles which can inhibit the forward and aft movement of the liquid within the storage system during vehicle acceleration and deceleration, such as, during vehicle starts and stops, for example.[0023]
• In another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided having a body which includes a horizontal side brace. In a further aspect of the invention, the vehicle includes a liquid storage tank for storing liquid. The liquid storage tank can include a groove for accommodating the horizontal side brace of the body. The groove of the storage tank can engage the horizontal side brace of the body. The liquid storage tank can be a part of a system can be mounted to at least one of the chassis and the body, which includes a liquid dispensing system.[0024]
• In still another aspect of the invention, a vehicle includes a control system for monitoring at least one parameter and controlling a liquid dispensing system depending on the condition of the at least one parameter.[0025]
• Advantageously, to further facilitate the functionality of the multipurpose body, the electronic control system is provided to monitor and/or control several sensors, drive motors, pumps and conveyors utilizing, for example, input parameters established by the equipment owner. Because of the integrated design of the ice-control body, the body can readily operate in semi-automatic mode wherein the vehicle operator dispenses granular material and/or liquid according to one or more predetermined parameters, such as, ground speed, air temperature, surface temperature, surface area to be treated, rate of precipitation, form of precipitation, speed of the vehicle, dispensing rate of the liquid, spray pattern of the liquid, the dispensing rate of the material, direction and velocity of the material, and the spread pattern of the material, for example. The control system can permit very specific control of application rates of liquid, granular material or a combination thereof (3 in 1 control) based on many variables.[0026]
• Advantageously, the storage and dispensing apparatus both has improved capacity and integrates multiple functions is key at the same time whereas previous devices involve a sacrifice of liquid and/or granular materials or the need for longer and/or taller equipment which is both more expensive and less safe.[0027]
• Advantageously, the vehicle can transport and dispense, either individually or in any combination, a liquid anti-icing material, a granular de-icing material, and a pre-wetted granular de-icing material as road conditions warrant. Sufficient volumes of the liquid and the granular material can be contained separately on the vehicle in quantities substantially equal to a traditional V-box sander and a bulk liquid tank.[0028]
• The vehicle achieves the integration of three typically separate pieces of equipment and/or vehicles into a combined, integral system. The “three-in-one system” includes a full capacity hopper for storing granular material, a high capacity anti-icing system for dispensing liquid onto a surface, and an onboard pre-wetting system for dispensing liquid onto granular material as the granular material is being dispensed from the vehicle. This combined system maximizes the payload of each material through improved utilization of space. The added capacity therefore limits the frequency of return trips and reduces the overall cost for fuel, equipment, support personnel and operators. Also, the length of the vehicle equipped with the storage and dispensing apparatus of the present invention can be shorter than conventional systems because the need for a trailer is obviated and/or the space utilization is improved, thereby facilitating the safe operation of the present invention.[0029]
• The present invention provides a complete integration of all required containment/storage devices, conveying systems, application systems and controls. The inventive vehicle simplifies the complexities of controlling individual components and systems for the operator, who must not only operate the equipment but also drive the vehicle, as well. In some instances, for example, the operator can be operating a front-mounted snow plow and a side-mounted (“wing”) snow plow which, combined with driving the vehicle, can require his full attention.[0030]
• These and other objects and advantages, as well as additional inventive features, of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, provided herein.[0031]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle including a storage and dispensing apparatus mounted in a dump body in accordance with the present invention.[0032]
• FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of the storage and dispensing apparatus and the body of FIG. 1.[0033]
• FIG. 3 is an enlarged, detail view taken from FIG. 2.[0034]
• FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the storage and dispensing apparatus and the body of FIG. 1.[0035]
• FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the storage and dispensing apparatus and the body of FIG. 1.[0036]
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view the storage and dispensing apparatus of FIG. 1.[0037]
• FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the storage and dispensing apparatus of FIG. 6.[0038]
• FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line[0039]8-8 in FIG. 7.
• FIG. 9 is an enlarged, detail view taken from FIG. 8.[0040]
• FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 illustrating a pivotable baffle in an open position for dispensing granular material.[0041]
• FIG. 11 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 7 with grate screens removed from the storage and dispensing apparatus for illustrative purposes.[0042]
• FIG. 12 is a second perspective view of the storage and dispensing apparatus of FIG. 6.[0043]
• FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the storage and dispensing apparatus of FIG. 6.[0044]
• FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line[0045]14-14 in FIG. 13, illustrating a hopper in highlighted cross-hatching.
• FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14, illustrating a liquid containment vessel in highlighted cross-hatching.[0046]
• FIG. 16 is a partially broken away, perspective view of the storage and dispensing apparatus of FIG. 6, illustrating a liquid containment vessel.[0047]
• FIG. 17 is a second partially broken away, perspective view of the storage and dispensing apparatus of FIG. 6, illustrating pre-wet and anti-icing systems disposed within a rear cabinet.[0048]
• FIG. 18 is an enlarged, detail view taken from FIG. 17.[0049]
• FIG. 19 is a side elevational view, partially broken away, of the storage and dispensing apparatus of FIG. 6, illustrating the liquid containment vessel and a crossover pipe for re-circulation of anti-icing liquid within the liquid containment vessel.[0050]
• FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of a control unit of a control system useful in connection with the present invention.[0051]
• FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the control unit of FIG. 19.[0052]
• FIG. 22 is a generally schematic view of a liquid dispensing system and a liquid storage system of the storage and dispensing apparatus of FIG. 6.[0053]
• FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicle including a chassis and a storage and dispensing apparatus mounted thereto in accordance with the present invention.[0054]
• FIG. 24 is an end elevational view of another embodiment of a body having a liquid storage system in accordance with the present invention.[0055]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
• Turning now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 an[0056]illustrative vehicle50 for treatment of snow and/or ice on a surface such as a roadway in accordance with the present invention.
• Referring to FIG. 1, the[0057]vehicle50 includes achassis52, adump body54, and a removable storage and dispensingapparatus56 disposed within thebody54.
• The[0058]chassis52 can include atruck cab60, aframe62, and a plurality ofwheels64. Thechassis52 includes avalve bank70 for controlling the hydraulic system of the vehicle. Acover72 can be provided to enclose thevalve bank70.
• The[0059]body54 is mounted to thechassis52. Thebody54 includes afront end82, an openrear end84, and first andsecond side walls86,87, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thebody54 is generally U-shaped, as shown in FIG. 2. Thedump body54 defines acavity88 for storing materials, such as gravel, dirt, brush or the like. Thedump body54 can be pivotally connected to thechassis52 at therear end84 of thebody54. A hoist system can be provided to move thedump body54 from a storing position, shown in FIG. 1, to one of a range of dumping positions. The illustrative vehicle in FIG. 1 includes an underbody hoist system. In other embodiments, the hoist can be a telescopic hoist adjacent the front end of the body.
• Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the storage and dispensing[0060]apparatus56 includes ahopper100 for storing material, such as, a granular ice control material, for example, aconveyor assembly102 for selectively transporting material from thehopper100, aliquid storage system104 for storing liquid, such as, an anti-icing liquid, for example, and aliquid dispensing system106 for selectively dispensing liquid from theliquid storage system104.
• Referring to FIGS. 1 and 14, the storage and dispensing[0061]apparatus56 includes front andrear ends110,111, first andsecond side walls114,115, first and secondcommon walls116,117, acabinet wall120, a bottom122, and anintermediate base124. Referring to FIG. 8, therear end111 of the storage and dispensingapparatus56 has anopening128 therein. Referring to FIG. 2, the front and the rear ends can include a plurality of liftingeyes132 for handling the storage and dispensingapparatus56 with an over head crane, for example, to insert the storage and dispensing apparatus into, and remove it from, the body. Thecabinet wall120 includes a plurality ofapertures134 for mounting running lights and other indicator lights. Thecabinet wall120 can be used to displayindicia136. Referring to FIG. 5, the storage and dispensingapparatus56 can be disposed within thebody54 with arear portion139 of the storage and dispensing apparatus extending therefrom. Referring to FIG. 6, theside walls114,115 of the storage and dispensingapparatus56 can each include a plurality of V-crimps140 extending between thecabinet wall120 and thefront end110 to provide structural rigidity.
• Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, the storage and dispensing[0062]apparatus56 can include a mountingarm148 which includes achannel150 and around bar152 extending therefrom. The mountingarm148 of the storage and dispensing apparatus can retentively engage a pair ofjaws154 extending from therear end84 of thebody54 to retentively engage the storage and dispensingapparatus56 and thebody54. The snow/ice storage and dispensingapparatus56 can be disposed within thebody54 for use during winter months, for example, for the treatment of roadways in the event of snow and/or ice accumulation. In non-winter months, the storage and dispensingapparatus56 can be used with other granular and liquid materials to provide dust control, vegetation control and fertilizer/seeding, for example. The storage and dispensingapparatus56 can also be disengaged from thebody54, with the vehicle being used for other applications.
• Referring to FIGS. 11 and 14, the[0063]common walls116,117, theintermediate base124, and the front andrear ends110,111 define thehopper100 for storing material. Thehopper100 is shown in cross-hatching160 in FIG. 14. The first and secondcommon walls116,117 can be disposed at about a 45° to avertical axis162. In other embodiments, the common wall angle can vary.
• Referring to FIG. 8, the[0064]opening128 of therear end111 communicates with thematerial hopper100. Theconveyor assembly102 is disposed in thematerial hopper100 and extends through theopening128. Theconveyor assembly102 is configured to selectively transport material from thehopper100 out of the storage and dispensingapparatus56.
• Referring to FIG. 11, the[0065]hopper100 includes atop opening170 for receiving material. Referring to FIG. 4, a plurality ofgrate screens172 can be provided to cover theopening170 of thehopper100. The grate screens172 are pivotally mounted to acentral ridge174 extending between the front andrear ends110,111. Thecentral ridge174 can be in the form of an I-beam, as shown in FIG. 14, or a rectangular tube, for example. Referring to FIG. 4, anouter edge176 of each screen rests on a one of a pair ofledges178,179 of the first andsecond side walls114,115 of the storage and dispensingapparatus56. To open thescreens172, the screens can be pivoted about thecentral ridge174 such that the outer edge of the screen engages the ledge of the opposing side wall.
• The grate screens[0066]172 can act to prevent larger chunks of material from entering thehopper100. In the winter, for example, granular material is often stored in a large stockpile before being loaded onto a vehicle. The granular material can freeze and form larger chunks of material. The larger chunks can hinder the flow of material being dispensed from the vehicle for treatment of a roadway, for example. With the screens covering the top opening of the hopper, an operator can load the hopper by depositing granular material onto the grates. Larger chunks tend to roll off the body and can be broken up for subsequent use.
• The[0067]grates172 also provide a safety feature in providing a barrier between the outside of the hopper and theconveyor assembly102 found therein. In some embodiments, the grate screens can be interconnected to the hydraulic system with an interlock system such that the screens cannot be opened until the hydraulic system is disconnected. The interlock system can be one such as is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,276, issued to Ungerer et al. on Sep. 26, 2000.
• A[0068]ladder188 is provided to facilitate access to the top opening of the hopper. Theladder188 is shown in FIG. 1 in a storage position. A portion of theladder188 can be folded downward to extend the ladder.
• Referring to FIGS. 8 and 11, the[0069]conveyor assembly102 can act to selectively dispense materials from thehopper100. Theconveyor assembly102 can include a pair ofaugers200,201 disposed in substantially parallel, spaced relationship to each other. Eachauger200,201 includes afirst end210, asecond end211, and abladed shaft212 extending therebetween. Theaugers200,201 are rotatably mounted to the storage and dispensingapparatus56. The illustrative augers have a diameter of about seven inches. The illustrative dual auger arrangement has an effective width of at least fourteen inches. In other embodiments, the size of the augers can vary. Theaugers200,201 can be disposed apart from each a distance within a predetermined range such that the tendency for granular materials to bridge over the augers or for the augers to tunnel in the granular material is reduced.
• The first ends[0070]210 of theaugers200,201 are mounted to thefront end110 of the storage and dispensing apparatus by a pair of bearing supports214 each in the form of a flange-mount bearing. Astub shaft216 at the first end of each auger extends through the bearing214 to support thefirst end210 of therespective auger200,201. Referring to FIG. 12, alubrication system220 can be provided which includes a pair oflines222,223 which extend from the first ends210 of theaugers200,201 for lubricating the bearing supports of the first ends of the augers.
• Referring to FIGS. 2 and 8, the second ends[0071]211 of theaugers200,201 are mounted to a pair of mountingplates230, respectively. A pair ofmotors232 is provided to rotate the augers. Theauger motors232 are mounted to the mountingplates230. The mountingplates230 can each cover a hole configured to allow therespective auger200,201 to be inserted therethrough for mounting theaugers200,201 to the storage and dispensing apparatus. Each motor can act as a support bearing for its respective auger at thesecond end211.
• Referring to FIG. 8, operation of the[0072]motors232 can convey material stored in thehopper100 in a conveyingdirection240 toward thesecond end211 of the augers. The second ends211 of the augers are operably arranged with adischarge chute250. Aportion244 of theaugers200,201 extends beyond therear end111 toward thecabinet wall120. Material can be conveyed from thehopper100 in the conveyingdirection240 to thedischarge chute250, which is disposed below theaugers200,201. The material falls from the augers into thedischarge chute250.
• In other embodiments, the conveyor assembly can include an endless chain conveyor, a single auger, three or more augers, one or more belt conveyors, etc. In yet other embodiments, the conveyor assembly can be configured to convey material in the hopper in a conveying direction toward the front end of the hopper to selectively dispense material from the front end of the hopper. The front-discharging conveyor assembly can be useful for dispensing granular material and/or pre-wetted granular material in front of the drive wheels of the chassis to improve the traction of the vehicle and to reduce the spraying of these materials on other vehicles on the roadway being treated.[0073]
• Referring to FIG. 9, the[0074]discharge chute250 includes apivotable baffle252. Thebaffle252 can be pivoted between a closed position, as shown in FIG. 9, and an open position, as shown in FIG. 10. In the closed position, thebaffle252 can divertmaterial253 through abypass chute254. Putting thebaffle252 in the closed position allows an operator to rapidly discharge the contents of thehopper100 out through thebypass chute254. Referring to FIG. 10, thebaffle252 can be substantially vertical when in the open position. In the open position, thebaffle252 allowsmaterial253 to pass to a spreader orspinner disc256 for selective spreading.
• A[0075]lower portion258 of thedischarge chute250 can be mounted at a selected one of four sets of mountingholes260 for telescope adjustment thereof.
• Referring to FIGS. 7 and 15, the[0076]liquid storage system104 is provided for storing liquid, such as anti-icing liquid, for example. The front andrear ends110,111, the first andsecond side walls114,115, the first and secondcommon walls116,117, the bottom122, and theintermediate base124 define aliquid containment vessel270. Theliquid containment vessel270 is shown in cross-hatching272 in FIG. 15. Theliquid containment vessel270 includes a pair ofside sections274,275, which flank thehopper100, and an intermediate connectingsection278, which extends between theside sections274,275 below thehopper100 and theconveyor assembly102. A sump area can be fluidly connected to the connecting section of the liquid containment vessel. Theliquid containment vessel270 is a unitized structure which allows theside sections274,275 and the connectingsection278 to be fluidly connected to each other.
• Referring to FIG. 6, the liquid containment vessel includes a[0077]fill port280 for filling the liquid containment vessel. Thefill port280 includes aremovable cover282 that can seal the fill port to prevent leakage therefrom. Referring to FIG. 22, avalve284 can be connected to thefill port280 to allow liquid to flow into thecontainment vessel270. Liquid entering thecontainment vessel270 can flow between theside sections274,275 via the connectingsection278 and seek an equilibrium level.
• Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, each side section includes a plurality of[0078]braces290 having a series ofholes292 therein. Thebraces290 can be provided to inhibit the flow of liquid stored in theliquid containment vessel270 during acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle. Referring to FIG. 19, thebraces290 can be associated with a mountingflange294 for securing the braces to the bottom.
• Referring to FIGS. 19 and 22, an[0079]agitation system300 is provided to maintain any solids in the liquid stored in theliquid containment vessel270 in suspension. Theagitation system300 can include apump302, operable by a suitablehydraulic motor303, for example, housed in aplumbing cabinet304 andsuitable piping305. A portion ofpipe306 that is disposed in the storage and dispensingapparatus56 and extends across the width of the unit extending between the first and second side sections of the containment vessel can include a plurality of holes in it, which open toward the bottom of the unit.
• The[0080]pump302 can operate to circulate the fluid stored in thecontainment vessel270 to maintain the solids in suspension. Liquid can be drawn from the containment vessel to the pump from one or more locations. The liquid can be pumped to the liquid containment vessel through the piping305 and discharged through the holes, thereby creating agitation energy and mixing the liquid. The holes of the pipe can be disposed about between the bottom and the side facing the front end of the storage and dispensing apparatus. Theagitation system300 can be operated continuously and independent of the operation of the dispensing system.
• Referring to FIGS. 14 and 16, each[0081]brace290 can be associated with achannel310 that has a pair ofcutouts312 therein. Thechannel310 defines the height of the connectingsection278 of the liquid containment section. The channel can be a formed piece of sheet metal which runs the full width of the unit below the hopper. Thecutouts312 can be disposed at the ends of the channel adjacent theside walls114,115 of the unit. Thecutouts312 extend to the bottom122 for facilitating the cleaning of the containment vessel.
• Each[0082]brace290 includes aside edge318 that has a plurality ofrecesses320 which correspond to the V-crimps on the side wall that the brace is adjacent. The recesses are arranged to provide clearance, respectively, for the V-crimps.
• The liquid containment vessel can include a clean-out passage at both sides of the rear end of the unit to aid in the cleaning or draining of the interior thereof.[0083]
• Referring to FIGS.[0084]2, and3, and22, aliquid dispensing system106 for selectively dispensing liquid from theliquid storage system104 can be provided. Theliquid dispensing system106 can selectively dispense liquid from the liquid containment vessel. Theliquid dispensing system106 includes ananti-icing system350 for selectively dispensing liquid from the vehicle and apre-wetting system352 for selectively dispensing liquid onto material being transported by theconveyor assembly102 out of the unit.
• Referring to FIGS.[0085]16-18, theplumbing cabinet304 is defined by thecabinet wall120 and therear end111 of the storage and dispensingapparatus56. Theplumbing cabinet304 can house amanifold assembly358 and a plurality ofpumps302,control valves361,lines367,electronic devices369, and other equipment associated with operating the anti-icing system and pre-wetting system of the dispensing system. Theliquid dispensing system106 can be mounted within theplumbing cabinet304 with at least a portion thereof extending rearwardly from the cabinet wall of the unit. Thecabinet wall120 can include one ormore access panels370, shown in phantom lines in FIG. 16, for readily accessing the hydraulic components, valves, pumps, motors etc. housed in theplumbing cabinet304.
• In other embodiments, the cabinet for containing the plumbing parts can be located in other locations, such as, at the front of the unit or on top of, in front of, or on the truck frame sides, for example.[0086]
• Referring to FIG. 2, the[0087]anti-icing system350 of theliquid dispensing system106 includes a plurality of liquid dispensing elements. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the illustrativeanti-icing system350 of theliquid dispensing system106 includes a first and asecond nozzle assembly380,381. Eachnozzle assembly380,381 is a multi-tiered assembly including a plurality of pairs ofspray nozzles384. Eachspray nozzle384 is fluidly connected to the liquid storage system via the lines, motors, pumps, etc. housed in the plumbing cabinet. Theanti-icing system350 can include theanti-icing pump302, which is operated by thehydraulic motor303, afilter386, and an anti-icingliquid flow meter388. The first andsecond nozzle assemblies380,381 can be fluidly connected to theliquid storage system104 via themanifold assembly358 and appropriate piping. Asupplemental port389 can be provided to allow for rapid emptying of theliquid containment vessel270, additional spray nozzles, or other auxiliary uses.
• Each[0088]nozzle384 can be a variable displacement orifice nozzle. The flow of liquid from the anti-icing nozzles can be varied by changing the size of the orifice of each nozzle. Each anti-icing nozzle can be selectively pivotable along at least two perpendicular axes. Thenozzle assemblies380,381 can be operable to control the flow of liquid from theliquid storage system104 to theanti-icing system350 and to direct the dispensing of the liquid from the liquid storage system.
• Each[0089]illustrative nozzle assembly380,381 includes six nozzles grouped together in three gangs of two. Each nozzle assembly includes anupper pair390, alower pair391, and anintermediate pair392 disposed between the upper andlower pairs390,391. Referring to FIG. 1, each nozzle assembly includes a two-tiered mounting bracket394 for supporting the nozzles and the plumbing lines and connectors associated therewith. Eachbracket394 includes a plurality of mountingholes396 for receiving fasteners, U-bolts, for example, for mounting the nozzles and the plumbing.
• Referring to FIGS. 2 and 22, each[0090]nozzle assembly380,381 is fluidly connected to theliquid storage system104 via one or moreanti-icing lines400,401,402. Theanti-icing lines400,401,402 can be connected to themanifold assembly358 for selectively controlling the flow of liquid to theanti-icing system350.
• An upper[0091]nozzle supply line404 can branch from one of the anti-icing lines401 to fluidly connect bothupper pairs390 of thenozzle assemblies380,381 to themanifold assembly358. A pair of U-bolts406, for example, can mount the uppernozzle supply line404 to each mounting bracket. The nozzles of eachupper pair390 each include anelbow410 that extends from the uppernozzle supply line404. Thenozzles384 of theupper pairs390 extend from theirrespective elbows410. Each elbow is a 90°-style. Each elbow is rotatably mounted to the supply pipe about afirst axis412, as shown in FIG. 3. Eachnozzle384, in turn, is rotatably mounted to theelbow410 from which it extends about asecond axis414, which can be perpendicular to thefirst axis412. The first andsecond axes412,414 are substantially horizontal and vertical, respectively.
• The intermediate and the[0092]lower pairs392,391 of nozzles from eachnozzle assembly380,381 can be fluidly connected to theliquid storage system104 via the mainanti-icing lines400,402, respectively, through themanifold assembly358 for selectively controlling the flow of liquid to the intermediate andlower pairs392,391 of nozzles.
• Referring to FIGS. 3 and 22, the intermediate and the[0093]lower pairs392,391 of each nozzle assembly extend from the mainanti-icing lines400,402. U-bolts400, for example, can mount the piping of the intermediate andlower pairs392,391 of nozzles to the mountingbracket394. The intermediate andlower pairs392,391 of nozzles are fluidly connected to the mainanti-icing line400,402, respectively, by abranch line430.
• The intermediate and[0094]lower pairs392,391 of nozzles are rotatably mounted to thebranch line430. Thenozzles384 of each intermediate and lower pair each include anelbow436 that extends from thebranch line430. The nozzles extend from their respective elbows. Each elbow is a 90°-style. Eachelbow436 is rotatably mounted to therespective branch line430 about thefirst axis412. Eachnozzle384, in turn, is rotatably mounted to theelbow436 from which it extends about thesecond axis414.
• Referring to FIG. 22, a control valve can be associated with each set of nozzles to provide independent selective operation of each set of nozzles. In this embodiment, three[0095]control valves361,362,363 can be provided. Onecontrol valve362 can be arranged with theupper pairs390 of nozzles of the first andsecond nozzle assemblies380,381. Asecond valve361 can be associated with the intermediate andlower pairs392,391 of nozzles of thefirst nozzle assembly380. Athird valve363 can be associated with the intermediate andlower pairs392,391 of nozzles of thesecond nozzle assembly381.
• The volume of liquid being dispensed by each nozzle can be selectively adjusted. The volume of liquid being dispensed can be correlated to the vehicle ground speed to apply a predetermined amount of liquid per mile, for example 15 gallons per lane mile traveled by the vehicle. The nozzle orifice can be spring-loaded so that as system pressure rises, the orifice enlarges to provide an increased opening area, thereby allowing for a wider range of liquid flow at a narrower supply pressure. The nozzles can be operated between about 10 psi and about 100 psi, for example, and preferably between about 20 psi and about 30 psi. The nozzle sets can be adjusted to dispense liquid anywhere up to about 50 gallons per lane mile, for example, and preferably between about 10 gallons per lane mile and about 25 gallons per lane mile.[0096]
• The six pairs of anti-icing nozzles can be selectively adjusted to direct the application of anti-icing liquid onto a surface, such as a roadway, for example. Each anti-icing nozzle can be independently adjusted. The six pairs of anti-icing nozzles can be adjusted to cover three 12-foot lanes of road, for example. The anti-icing nozzles can be adjusted about the first and second axes to direct the anti-icing liquid onto the lanes of the road. The speed of the vehicle and the lane in which the vehicle is driving can affect the spray pattern of anti-icing liquid from the anti-icing nozzles. The nozzles can be adjusted to compensate for such parameters to accurately apply anti-icing liquid onto the roadway. The anti-icing nozzles can be directed to discharge anti-icing liquid directly behind the vehicle and/or to the sides of the vehicle. The spray width of the anti-icing nozzles can be adjusted to meet varying road conditions.[0097]
• For example, the[0098]upper pairs390 of the first andsecond nozzle assemblies380,381 can be directed toward each other such that theupper pairs390 dispense anti-icing liquid substantially directly behind the vehicle, i.e., the lane in which the vehicle is positioned. The intermediate andlower pairs392,391 of thefirst nozzle assembly380 can be adjusted such that they dispense anti-icing liquid to the left side of the vehicle, i.e., in the lane to the left of the lane in which the vehicle is positioned. The intermediate and thelower pairs392,391 of nozzles of thesecond nozzle assembly381 can be adjusted such that they dispense anti-icing liquid to the right side of the vehicle, i.e., in the lane to the right of the lane in which the vehicle is positioned.
• Referring to FIGS. 10 and 22, the[0099]pre-wetting system352 can include a plurality ofspray nozzles440, a pre-wetliquid pump442, which is driven by a pre-wethydraulic motor444, for example, and apre-wet flow meter446. Eachspray nozzle440 is fluidly connected to theliquid storage system104 via appropriate piping. Thenozzles440 can be operable to control the flow of liquid from the liquid storage system. Thenozzles440 of thepre-wetting system352 can be selectively adjusted to discharge liquid ontogranular material253 dispensed from the conveyor assembly as it moves through thedischarge chute250. Eachpre-wet nozzle440 can be a variable displacement orifice nozzle. The flow of liquid from thepre-wet nozzles440 can be varied by changing the size of the orifice of each nozzle. Thepre-wet spray nozzles440 can be disposed within thedischarge chute250 such that they can spraygranular material253 as it moves therethrough to thespreader disc256.
• In other embodiments, a[0100]separate reservoir448 can be provided. Thepre-wet spray nozzles440 can be fluidly connected to thereservoir448 with thepre-wet pump442 acting to pump pre-wetting liquid from thereservoir448 out thepre-wet nozzles440.
• The operator can control the flow of liquid from the[0101]storage system104 to provide two functional modes. In the first functional mode, the liquid dispensed from thepre-wet nozzles440 can serve to “pre-wet” the granular material, such as salt, for example, as the material drops from the conveyor assembly through thedischarge chute250 to thespreader256. In the second functional mode, liquid can be routed to multiple, variable displacement anti-icing nozzles which can be controlled for directional discharge onto a surface, such as a roadway. The dispensing system can be configured such that the flow of liquid can occur simultaneously in both functional modes to provide for simultaneous pre-wetting and anti-icing operations or such that one of the functional modes is operating and the other mode is idle. Ahydraulic control valve450 can be provided to allow for selective driving of thepre-wet motor444 and theanti-icing motor303 to operate the first and second functional modes, respectively.
• It will be understood that in other embodiments, the number and arrangement of nozzles of the liquid dispensing system can be varied. In other embodiments, the pre-wet and/or anti-icing nozzles can have a fixed-displacement orifice. In embodiments where the granular material is discharged from the front of the hopper, one or more nozzles or other liquid dispensing elements can be disposed at the front to provide a front anti-icing spray option. In other embodiments, the anti-icing nozzles can be located in other locations, such as, underneath the chassis frame between the front and rear axle, for example.[0102]
• As the[0103]liquid dispensing system106 dispenses fluid from the containment vessel, the liquid in the vessel seeks a level interface line, adjusting to the new volumetric amount of liquid therein. The side sections and the connecting section of the containment vessel are fluidly connected to each other to help maintain the balance of the vehicle by more evenly distributing the weight associated with the liquid stored in the containment vessel.
• In other embodiments, the liquid dispensing system can include other liquid dispensing elements, such as, one or more spray booms or bars and/or one or more hose drops, either in lieu of, or in combination with, nozzles. The spray bar can comprise a pipe with a plurality of holes therein. The hose drop can be a simple hose of a predetermined length such that the end of the hose is near the surface to enhance the delivery of the liquid to the surface.[0104]
• Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the operation and flow rate of the nozzles of the dispensing system can be monitored and controlled by the truck operator with an[0105]electronic control system450 having apanel452 disposed in the truck cab. Thepanel452 can include a plurality ofcontrols454 and adisplay screen456, such as an LCD. In other embodiments, a second LCD can be remotely connected to the panel and mounted in the cab to provide other operational performance data.
• The[0106]control system450 can permit very specific control of application rates of liquid, granular materials, or a combination thereof (3 in 1 control) based on many variables. The variables include air and road surface temperatures, rate and form of precipitation, the number of lanes to be treated, speed of the truck, dispensing rate and spray pattern of the liquid, the volume and spread pattern of the granular materials, and direction and velocity of the material, for example. The nozzles can be independently controlled with a corresponding plurality of valves which control the opening and closing of each nozzle based upon one or more selected parameters, such as ground speed, for instance.
• The[0107]electronic control system450 can be used to control the dispensing of liquid and/or material such that the liquid and/or material is dispensed in a rearward direction at substantially the same speed as the vehicle is traveling in a forward direction such that the relative velocity between the liquid and/or material and the ground surface is substantially equal to zero to improve the accuracy of the placement of the liquid upon the surface. The zero velocity feature can operate to reduce the amount of splashing and/or bouncing (or other displacement) the discharged substance undergoes after contacting the surface being treated.
• The storage and dispensing apparatus can be used to accurately place materials on the surface being treated, for example, the surface on a curved exit ramp. Because in such a situation the road usually is banked inwardly, it is often desired to dispense the material on the upper shoulder as gravity and the traffic flow will tend to work the material down across the road. The storage and dispensing apparatus allows for the operator to direct material to a predetermined location. The[0108]electronic control system450 can include an automated system which can be tied to a global positioning system (GPS), for example, useful to adjust the flow direction and/or rate of granular material and/or fluid based on the position of the vehicle detected by the GPS. The electronic control system can also be adapted to sense the tilt of the road and adjust the location of material dispensing according to a predetermined response to further enhance the precision placement capabilities of the storage and dispensing apparatus.
• Referring to FIG. 23, another embodiment of a[0109]vehicle650 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The vehicle in FIG. 23 is a chassis-mount version. Thevehicle650 includes achassis652 and a storage and dispensingapparatus656 mounted to the chassis. In other embodiments, the storage and dispensingapparatus656 can be pivotally mounted to the chassis with a hoist arranged with the storage and dispensing apparatus for selective pivotal movement thereof.
• The storage and dispensing[0110]apparatus656 includes ahopper700 for storing material, such as, a granular ice control material, for example, aconveyor assembly702 for selectively transporting material from thehopper700, aliquid storage system704 for storing liquid, such as, an anti-icing liquid, for example, and aliquid dispensing system706 for selectively dispensing liquid from the liquid storage system.
• The[0111]conveyor assembly702 can include anendless chain conveyor703 disposed in thematerial hopper700 and extending along the length of the storage and dispensing apparatus beyond therear end711 thereof. The rear end has an opening to permit theendless conveyor703 to transport material therethrough. The illustrativeendless conveyor703 can selectively transport material through the opening of the storage and dispensing apparatus out of the hopper.
• The[0112]conveyor assembly702 can be controlled in combination with afeed gate assembly715, aspreader chute850, and aspreader856 to dispense material from the hopper of the storage and dispensing apparatus in a desired spread pattern. Thefeed gate assembly715 can be mounted to the rear end of the storage and dispensing apparatus and is provided to selectively cover the opening therein, thereby providing a means for adjustably metering the flow of material through the opening. When spreading is desired, the opening can be selectively opened or closed by operation of thefeed gate assembly715. Theconveyor assembly702 can transport material residing within thehopper700 out of the storage and dispensing apparatus, through the opening, thereby resulting in a deposit of the material through thechute850 and into thespreader856.
• The[0113]spreader chute850 is operably arranged with theconveyor assembly702 to receive material therefrom and to direct the material to thespreader856. Thechute850 is mounted to the rear end of the storage and dispensing apparatus. Thespreader chute850 includes abody851 which defines apassageway853. Thechute850 is configured to direct material from theendless conveyor702 through thepassageway853.
• The[0114]spreader disc856 is provided to selectively spread material onto a surface, such as a roadway, for example. Thespreader disc856 can be adjustable to vary the resulting spread pattern of material. Thespreader856 is mounted to thespreader chute850. Thespreader disc856 is cooperatively arranged with thespreader chute850 to selectively receive materials directed through thepassageway853 of the chute from the conveyor assembly.
• The[0115]liquid storage system704 of the vehicle of FIG. 23 can be similar in construction and operation to theliquid storage system104 of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1.
• The[0116]liquid dispensing system706 can be provided to selectively dispense liquid from theliquid storage system704. Theliquid dispensing system706 includes ananti-icing system950 for selectively dispensing liquid from the liquid storage system and apre-wetting system952 for selectively dispensing liquid onto material being transported by theendless conveyor702 out of thehopper700.
• The[0117]liquid dispensing system706 includes first andsecond manifolds371,373, each having a plurality of first and second lines fluidly connected thereto. Themanifolds371,373 are fluidly connected to both theanti-icing system950 and thepre-wetting system952. Themanifolds371,373 are operable to control the flow of liquid from theliquid storage system704 to theanti-icing system950 and to thepre-wetting system952.
• The[0118]pre-wetting system952 includes a plurality of variable displacement nozzles which are fluidly connected to themanifolds371,373 via the first lines. The pre-wet nozzles are disposed within thespreader chute850.
• The[0119]anti-icing system950 includes a plurality ofvariable displacement nozzles984 which are fluidly connected to themanifolds371,373 via the second lines. Thevariable displacement nozzles984 are selectively movable. Theanti-icing system950 includes a plurality ofdeflector plates957 for selectively moving thevariable displacement nozzles984. Thedeflector plates957 are pivotally mounted to thespreader chute850. A plurality ofdeflector plate actuators959 are connected between thedeflector plates957 and thespreader chute850 for selective rotational movement of thedeflector plates957. Thedeflector plates957 depend from thespreader chute850, and thevariable displacement nozzles984 in turn depend from thedeflector plates957.
• The[0120]manifolds371,373 can control the flow of liquid from the liquid storage system to provide two functional modes. Themanifolds371,373 can selectively dispense liquid, anti-icing fluid, for example, to the injection nozzles located inside thespreader chute850 for pre-wetting the material being dispensed by theconveyor assembly702 from thehopper700 and to the variabledisplacement spray nozzles984 for application onto a surface, such as a roadway. In the first functional mode, liquid is routed to one or more nozzles inside thechute850. The liquid dispensed from the nozzles, can serve to “pre-wet” the de-icing granular material, such as salt, for example, as the material drops to thespreader856 disposed at the bottom of thechute950. In the second functional mode, liquid is routed to multiple,variable displacement nozzles984 which exhaust below thespreader856. Thesenozzles984 can be controlled for directional discharge by their attachment to thedeflector plates957. Themanifolds371,373 can be configured such that the flow of liquid can occur simultaneously in both functional modes to provide for simultaneous pre-wetting and anti-icing operations.
• The[0121]vehicle650 shown in FIG. 23 can be similar in other respects to thevehicle50 shown in FIG. 1.
• Referring to FIG. 24, another embodiment of a body[0122]1052 and a pair ofliquid storage tanks1055,1057 is shown. The body1052 includes first andsecond side walls1086,1087. The body1052 includes first and second horizontal side braces1071,1073 extending respectively from the first andsecond side walls1086,1087 along the substantially the entire length of the body1052 for stiffening the side walls.
• Each[0123]storage tank1055,1057 includes atop wall1090, abottom wall1092, first andsecond side walls1094,1095, and aninclined wall1097. The illustrative tanks are configured to fit within the footprint of the body1052, flanking theside walls1086,1087 of the body1052. Theinclined walls1097 of thetanks1055,1057 substantially conform to theside walls1086,1087, respectively, which are disposed at an angle preferably between about 22° and about 60°, and even more preferably of about 45° with respect to avertical axis1099.
• Each[0124]inclined wall1097 can includes agroove1101. Thegrooves1101 can accommodate thehorizontal braces1071,1073 of the body1052. The first and second horizontal side braces1071,1073 allow for a nested arrangement between thestorage tanks1055,1057 and the body1052. This nested arrangement can allow for a predetermined volume of anti-icing liquid to be stored according the chassis capabilities, for example, without sacrificing capacity for granular material in the body1052.
• The storage tanks can be connected together by a cross-pipe to fluidly connect the storage tanks together.[0125]
• In other embodiments, the storage and dispensing apparatus can be mounted to other types of bodies, such as, conventional bodies, including flatbeds, trailers, “hooklifts.” etc., for example, which can have a hoist system. The storage and dispensing apparatus can be mounted via a conventional “hook” system, for example.[0126]
• All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.[0127]
• The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.[0128]
• Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations of those preferred embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.[0129]

Claims (65)

What is claimed is:

1. A vehicle comprising:

a chassis;

a storage and dispensing apparatus, the storage and dispensing apparatus disposed upon the chassis, the storage and dispensing apparatus including a hopper for storing material, a conveyor assembly for selectively transporting material from the hopper, at least a portion of the conveyor assembly disposed within the hopper, a liquid storage system for storing liquid, and a liquid dispensing system for selectively dispensing liquid from the liquid storage system.

2. The vehicle ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a body, the body being mounted to the chassis, the body comprised of front and rear ends, and first and second side walls, the storage and dispensing apparatus being disposed upon the body, the body being disposed between the chassis and the storage and dispensing apparatus.

3. The vehicle ofclaim 2 wherein body is pivotally mounted to the chassis.

4. The vehicle ofclaim 2 wherein the storage and dispensing apparatus is disposed within the first and second side walls of the body.

5. The vehicle ofclaim 4 wherein the storage and dispensing apparatus includes a rear end which extends beyond the rear end of the body.

6. The vehicle ofclaim 1 wherein the storage and dispensing apparatus includes front and rear ends, first and second side walls, first and second common walls, and a base, the common walls, the base, and the front and rear ends defining the hopper.

7. The vehicle ofclaim 1 wherein the conveyor assembly comprises a pair of augers in substantially parallel, spaced relationship to each other.

8. The vehicle ofclaim 1 wherein the storage and dispensing apparatus includes front and rear ends, first and second side walls, first and second common walls, a bottom, and an intermediate base, the front and rear ends, the first and second side walls, the first and second common walls, the bottom, and the intermediate base, defining a liquid containment vessel for the liquid storage system.

9. The vehicle ofclaim 8 wherein the liquid containment vessel includes first and second side sections disposed between the first side wall and the first common wall and the second side wall and the second common wall, respectively, and a connecting section disposed between the first and second side sections, the connecting section disposed between the bottom and the base.

10. The vehicle ofclaim 9 wherein the liquid containment vessel includes a plurality of braces disposed within the first and second side sections.

11. The vehicle ofclaim 10 wherein the braces each include a plurality of holes therein.

12. The vehicle ofclaim 1 further comprising:

an agitation system for mixing liquid stored within the liquid storage system.

13. The vehicle ofclaim 1 wherein the liquid dispensing system includes a pre-wetting system and an anti-icing system.

14. The vehicle ofclaim 13 wherein the liquid dispensing system includes a liquid dispensing element.

15. The vehicle ofclaim 14 wherein the liquid dispensing element comprises a nozzle.

16. The vehicle ofclaim 13 wherein the liquid dispensing system includes a plurality of liquid dispensing elements which comprise nozzles.

17. The vehicle ofclaim 16 wherein the anti-icing system includes a pair of nozzles assemblies, the nozzle assemblies depending from the storage and dispensing apparatus.

18. The vehicle ofclaim 17 wherein each nozzle assembly includes an upper pair of nozzles, a lower pair of nozzles, and an intermediate pair of nozzles disposed between the upper and the lower pairs.

19. The vehicle ofclaim 18 wherein each nozzle is rotatable.

20. The vehicle ofclaim 19 wherein each nozzle is rotatable along at least two perpendicular axes.

21. The vehicle ofclaim 13 wherein the hopper includes a discharge chute, and the pre-wetting system includes a liquid dispensing element disposed in the discharge chute.

22. The vehicle ofclaim 21 wherein the liquid dispensing element comprises a nozzle.

23. The vehicle ofclaim 1 wherein the storage and dispensing apparatus includes a plumbing cabinet for housing at least a portion of the liquid dispensing system.

24. The vehicle ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a control system for controlling the liquid dispensing system.

25. The vehicle ofclaim 1 wherein the storage and dispensing apparatus includes a clean-out passage which is connected to the liquid storage system.

26. The vehicle ofclaim 1 wherein the hopper includes an opening, and the storage and dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of grate screens for selectively covering the opening of the hopper.

27. The vehicle ofclaim 26 wherein the storage and dispensing apparatus includes an interlock system associated with the gate screens such that the interlock system selectively prevents the gate screens from moving.

28. A vehicle comprising:

a chassis;

a storage and dispensing apparatus, the storage and dispensing apparatus disposed upon the chassis, the storage and dispensing apparatus including a liquid storage system for storing liquid and a liquid dispensing system for selectively dispensing liquid from the liquid storage system; and

a control system for monitoring at least one parameter and controlling the liquid dispensing system depending on the condition of the at least one parameter.

29. The vehicle ofclaim 28 wherein the parameter comprises at least one from the group consisting of ground speed, air temperature, surface temperature, surface area to be treated, rate of precipitation, form of precipitation, speed of the vehicle, dispensing rate of the liquid, spray pattern of the liquid, the dispensing rate of the material, direction of the material, velocity of the material, and the spread pattern of the material.

30. The vehicle ofclaim 28 wherein the liquid dispensing system includes an anti-icing system for selectively dispensing liquid from the vehicle and a pre-wetting system for selectively dispensing liquid onto material being transported by the endless conveyor out of the vehicle.

31. The vehicle ofclaim 28 wherein the liquid dispensing system includes a liquid dispensing element.

32. The vehicle ofclaim 31 wherein the liquid dispensing element comprises a nozzle.

33. The vehicle ofclaim 28 wherein the liquid dispensing system includes a plurality of movable nozzles, the control system monitoring the position of the variable displacement nozzles and controlling the movement thereof.

34. A vehicle comprising:

a chassis;

a body for storing material, the body being mounted to the chassis, the body comprised of front and rear ends and first and second side walls; and

a conveyor assembly comprising at least two augers disposed in substantially parallel spaced relationship to each other between the side walls, the augers configured to selectively transport material from the body out of the vehicle;

35. The vehicle ofclaim 34 wherein the conveyor assembly includes a sealed lubrication system for the augers.

36. The vehicle ofclaim 34 wherein body comprises a V-box spreader.

37. The vehicle ofclaim 34 wherein the conveyor assembly comprises two augers and includes a pair of motors to operate the augers, and the augers each including a first end, a second end, and a shaft, the first end of each auger being supported adjacent the front end of the body by a bearing, and the second end of each auger being supported by the motors, respectively.

38. A vehicle comprising:

a chassis;

a body for storing material, the body being mounted to the chassis, the body comprised of front and rear ends and first and second side walls;

a conveyor assembly configured to selectively transport material from the body out of the vehicle;

a liquid storage system for storing liquid, the liquid storage system mounted to at least one of the chassis and the body; and

a liquid dispensing system for selectively dispensing liquid from the liquid storage system, the liquid dispensing system mounted to at least one of the chassis and the body, the liquid dispensing system including an anti-icing system for selectively dispensing liquid from the vehicle and a pre-wetting system for selectively dispensing liquid onto material being transported by the endless conveyor out of the vehicle.

39. The vehicle ofclaim 38 wherein the conveyor assembly comprises an auger.

40. The vehicle ofclaim 38 wherein the conveyor assembly comprises an endless chain conveyor disposed between the side walls and extending beyond the rear end of the body.

41. The vehicle ofclaim 40 wherein the rear end of the body includes an opening, the vehicle further comprising:

a feed gate assembly for selectively covering the opening of the rear end of the body, the feed gate assembly being mounted to the body.

42. The vehicle ofclaim 38 further comprising:

a spreader disc mounted to at least one of the chassis and the body, the spreader disc being cooperatively arranged with the conveyor assembly to receive materials therefrom.

43. The vehicle ofclaim 42 further comprising:

a spreader chute and a spreader disc, the spreader chute being operably arranged with the conveyor assembly to receive materials therefrom and to direct the materials to the spreader disc for selectively spreading materials.

44. The vehicle ofclaim 38 further comprising:

a spreader assembly operably arranged with the conveyor assembly to receive materials therefrom and to direct the materials in a spread pattern at a flow, the spreader assembly adapted to adjust the spread pattern and the flow of material.

45. The vehicle ofclaim 38 wherein the liquid storage system includes first and second liquid storage tanks.

46. The vehicle ofclaim 38 wherein the liquid dispensing system includes a manifold having a plurality of lines fluidly connected thereto, the manifold being fluidly connected to the anti-icing system and the pre-wetting system, the manifold operable to control the flow of liquid from the liquid storage system to the anti-icing system and to the pre-wetting system.

47. The vehicle ofclaim 43 wherein the liquid dispensing system includes a manifold having a plurality of lines fluidly connected thereto, the manifold being fluidly connected to the anti-icing system and the pre-wetting system.

48. The vehicle ofclaim 38 wherein the pre-wetting system includes a liquid dispensing element.

49. The vehicle ofclaim 48 wherein the liquid dispensing element comprises a nozzle.

50. The vehicle ofclaim 38 wherein the pre-wetting system includes a plurality of nozzles.

51. The vehicle ofclaim 50 further comprising:

a spreader assembly including a spreader chute and a spreader disc, the spreader chute being operably arranged with the conveyor assembly to receive materials therefrom and to direct the materials to the spreader disc for selectively spreading materials;

wherein the pre-wetting system includes a plurality of nozzles fluidly connected to the manifold via the lines, the nozzles being disposed within the spreader chute.

52. The vehicle ofclaim 38 wherein the anti-icing system includes a liquid dispensing element.

53. The vehicle ofclaim 52 wherein the liquid dispensing element comprises a nozzle.

54. The vehicle ofclaim 38 wherein the anti-icing system includes a plurality of nozzles.

55. The vehicle ofclaim 54 wherein the nozzles of the anti-icing system are selectively movable.

56. The vehicle ofclaim 55 wherein the anti-icing system includes a plurality of deflector plates for selectively moving the nozzles.

57. The vehicle ofclaim 56 further comprising:

a spreader assembly including a spreader chute and a spreader disc, the spreader chute being operably arranged with the conveyor assembly to receive materials therefrom and to direct the materials to the spreader disc for selectively spreading materials;

wherein the deflector plates are pivotally mounted to the spreader chute and depend therefrom, and the nozzles depend from the deflector plates.

58. A vehicle comprising:

a chassis;

a body for storing material, the body being mounted to the chassis, the body comprised of front and rear ends and first and second side walls, the body including a horizontal side brace;

a conveyor assembly disposed between the side walls of the body, the conveyor assembly configured to selectively transport material from the body out of the vehicle;

a liquid storage tank for storing liquid; and

a liquid dispensing system for selectively dispensing liquid from the liquid storage system, the liquid dispensing system mounted to at least one of the chassis and the body.

59. A vehicle comprising:

a chassis;

a body for storing material, the body being mounted to the chassis, the body comprised of front and rear ends and first and second side walls, the body including a horizontal side brace;

a conveyor assembly disposed between the side walls of the body, the conveyor assembly configured to selectively transport material from the body out of the vehicle;

a liquid storage tank for storing liquid, the liquid storage tank including a groove for accommodating the horizontal side brace of the body; and

a liquid dispensing system for selectively dispensing liquid from the liquid storage system, the liquid dispensing system mounted to at least one of the chassis and the body;

wherein the groove of the storage tank engages the horizontal side brace of the body.

60. The vehicle ofclaim 59 wherein the body comprises a pair of horizontal side braces disposed respectively on the first and second side walls, and further comprising:

a second storage tank, the second storage tank having a groove;

wherein the grooves of the storage tanks respectively engage the horizontal side braces of the body.

61. The vehicle ofclaim 60 wherein the liquid dispensing system includes an anti-icing system for selectively dispensing liquid from the vehicle and a pre-wetting system for selectively dispensing liquid onto material being transported by the endless conveyor out of the vehicle.

62. The vehicle ofclaim 59 wherein the storage tank includes a top wall, a bottom wall, first and second side walls, and an inclined wall, the inclined wall including the groove.

63. The vehicle ofclaim 60 wherein the storage tanks each include a top wall, a bottom wall, first and second side walls, and an inclined wall, the inclined wall including the groove.

64. The vehicle ofclaim 63 wherein the inclined walls of the tanks substantially conform, respectively, to the first and second side walls of the body.

65. The vehicle ofclaim 64 wherein each inclined wall is disposed at an angle between about 22° and about 60° with respect to the associated side walls of the storage tank.

Images